I have been chasing the American Soccer Dream for nearly my whole life. In many ways this game saved me so I tend to see it a bit differently. My father died when I was very young and my childhood wasn’t easy. Soccer gave me a safe path and a passion to pursue.
41 years of coaching has allowed me to pay forward what I can never repay. The friends I have made and lessons learned continue to bring a smile and a desire for more. In a world full of walls this game builds bridges.
I am blessed to have been mentored by John Ellis who encouraged me to take my first coaching course. Working full-time in soccer for John’s Soccer Academy – Schools of Soccer Excellence as well as SportsNetwork arena gave me a clear picture of what is possible if you are willing to do the work. He may be most famous as the Father of two time World Cup winning Coach, Jill Ellis, but his contributions to the US Women’s National Team don’t stop there. This man belongs in the US Soccer Hall of Fame.
At John’s insistence I pursued a Masters degree in Sport Administration and the coveted US Soccer A License. I went on to serve as Director of Coaching for several clubs, a Sporting Ambassador to Brazil for the US State Department’s Partners of the Americas program and as a US Youth Soccer State Director of Coaching.
Along the way I truly enjoyed my playing career, from youth club soccer in California and Virgina to Captaining Averett University and continuing to play at high levels as an adult. With NASL dead and MLS yet to exist I played semi-pro soccer ultimately earning a training stint with the Colorado Rapids of MLS in the lead up to their inaugural season. While honored to be considered, on the wrong side of 30 I decided that continuing to coach was the better course.
In the Summer of 1994 USA hosted the World Cup and more importantly I married Jodi. 31 years of marriage have taught me the value of sacrifice and the rewards of commitment. We have four wonderful adult children and five grandchildren with more on the way. I am currently the Head Coach of Unicorns UTD, my granddaughters team. I have the best assistant coach of my career in my daughter. This may be my favorite coaching experience…ever!
There are some things I hope to see during the rest of my time on the planet. The US Men winning a World Cup is one of them. American Youth Competitive soccer becoming a healthier ecosystem is another. If I had to choose between the two I would forgo the World Cup in a heartbeat. I am hoping I don’t have to choose.
We all have an important part to play in changing youth sport for the better. Making the Beautiful Game more beautiful is one of the reasons Northern Star exists. I believe if we truly put players first instead of money we can accomplish great things for the children in our care. Anyone can give lip service to the “Player First” motto, making sacrificial choices to live it is quite another thing.
I firmly believe that soccer coaches are educators. While their classroom is different they should be held to the same standards as your child’s classroom teacher and subsequently offered the same respect. Soccer clubs should provide the same level of institutional professionalism that is demanded of public and private schools. Educating children is a different mentality than chasing trophies. We can do better.
Hiring standards, curriculum, scope and sequence, age group expectations, periodization…every parent should ask to look over these core documents before giving a club the first dollar! With little governing guidance it is up to parents to set standards of expectation for the organizations they trust with their children.
Forward thinking organizations want to be held accountable. People who resist accountability should never be trusted. Good clubs know that trust is earned and are eager to do so. Check out our other website – xi.soccer
I am here to help. Chances are whatever you may be encountering I have seen it before. No obstacle is overwhelming and no dream is too big. Working together we can achieve the goals that leave a positive legacy!
Credentials:
Lance Williams holds an US Soccer A license, showcasing his commitment to the highest coaching standards. Additionally, he possesses the prestigious National Youth License, underlining his proficiency in advanced coaching methodologies. Lance’s inclusion on US Soccer’s Coach Education Staff underscores his passion to help coaches grow and develop. His commitment to continuing education is demonstrated by his Masters Degree and ambitious pursuit of US Soccer Supplemental Learning opportunities.
